R. Panchan - Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
N. Sutthi - Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
S. Wigraiboon - Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
E. Wangkahart - Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
P. Srinontong - Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Talat Sub - district, Mueang Maha sarakham, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۰۰۰, Thailand
C. Thowanna - Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Talat Sub - district, Mueang Maha sarakham, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
W. Thumpala - Division of Animal Science, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand
E. Yotsakun - Division of Fisheries, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub - district, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham ۴۴۱۵۰, Thailand

The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of aquafeeds are crucial research focus in the aquaculture industry. This study investigates Chaya leaf meal (CLM; Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) diet. Over a three-month feeding trial, three dietary modifications were tested, incorporating ۰% (CLM ۰, control group), ۲۰% (CLM ۲۰), and ۴۰% (CLM ۴۰) Chaya leaf meal. The growth performance parameters indicated no significant differences between the dietary groups (p>۰.۰۵). However, ۲۰% CLM diet led to significantly improved survival rates (p<۰.۰۵). Detailed analysis of organosomatic indices, body composition, fillet proximate composition, hematological, and blood chemical indices demonstrated overall consistency across experimental diets (p>۰.۰۵), except for a notable variance in the crude lipid content. Likewise, digestive enzymes activity remained stable across the dietary groups. From an economic standpoint, ۲۰% CLM diet exhibited a competitive profit index compared to the control, significantly outperforming ۴۰% CLM diet (p<۰.۰۵). These findings support the viability of ۲۰% CLM as a partial substitute for soybean meal in climbing perch diets, providing environmental and economic advantages. Nevertheless, additional research is essential to determine the optimal CLM inclusion level and understand its long-term impact on fish health and productivity.

Chaya leaf meal, Soybean meal, Climbing perch, Alternative protein sources